Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival Winners Bared: Interview with Character Actor Rani Caldoza

Some of the winners in the recent Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival this 2026 Awards Night

After seeing several movies and shorts during the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival this 2026, I was looking forward to see if my personal favorites would get the accolades that they deserve come awards night. True enough, both Mono No Aware, JK Labajo, and Shorts Limlim took the major prizes that evening.  

Full Length Category

Mono No Aware won Best Picture, Picked by International Jury, Best Director BC Amparado Best Supporting Actress Momoko Kobayashi and Best Actor Juan Karlos Labajo. 

Xyriel Manabat won Best Actress for their film Stuck On You. The awarding for that category was epic since they did a pageant like act during the announcement. It was versus Sassa Gurl.

Zanjoe Marudo won Best Supporting Actor for his role of the father in the movie Apol of My Ai. While Zion Cruz took Best Child Performer for the role of the kid in the same movie. He looked like a real life cherub, no joke!

Student Short Films

In the Student Shorts, I watched Set A and felt an inkling to the short film called Limlim because of its unexpected twists and turns. It also talked about a very heavy subject which they wanted to put out into conversation. They also won Best Director tied with the one from Kung Hain, Bisan Diin. 

Dark horse Alumahan got the Jury Award and Brand Intrusion. They also got Best Film Poster for the movie. Starfish was called several times as they got Best in Visual Effects, and Best Supporting Actress. I still need to see that. Technical Awards went to When Heaven Inched Towards Earth (Film Promotion), Multwoh for Brand Intrusion, and Alumahan for the same category.

We also got to talk to one of the stars of Kung Hain Bisan Diin and Bum Tak Sara Ti Nuangen, a personal friend, very visible character actor Rani Caldoza who's been in several films in past Cinepanalo entries, commercials and shows. This year, it was doubly hard for the chap since he is doing regional languages as part of the two short films, we asked if that proved a hindrance to do the role since he's not much of a native speaker. He says "Being a part of a film is always a new learning for me. Whether feature-length or a short film, I treat them like vessels that will teach me something. Each film is an opportunity to grow, to learn more about myself. Making them would mean I'd subject myself in a whirlwind of emotions. "Bumtak Sara Ti Nuangen” and “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin” resonated with me because of my roots as a Caldoza. I have family that are Ilocano and Waray. Doing this taught me a lot more than it just being work."

He adds "The Caldoza’s are hailed from Batac, Ilocos Norte and Hindang, Leyte. Solid Ilocano and Waray! I haven't met much of my relatives in Ilocos, this goes the same with my Waray clan. I have not met my Grandparents either from Leyte, but I'd like to change that. It brings me so much pride to me to be a part of these projects. Family milestones remind me how the simple things can turn into memorable experiences. While I still consider myself a newcomer in the film industry, I am trying to learn to recognize every moment as something worthy of being filmed. I am yet to learn, but I cannot wait to tell stories of life, love, and family. There is more to come from Rani Caldoza."  

I am so proud of you buddy! I've been seeing him almost everywhere and I'm glad that in a way, we get to work in the same industry and didn't even know it LOL. This is what the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival is doing, bringing more opportunities for people in entertainment, behind the camera and recognizing them too. They also have been able to put forward very nice Filipino films and short films and have it available for folks to watch in cinemas, expose them to an entirely different audience every year! Here's hoping for more international accolades for the films this year, because I'm sure, they'll go places!

A Bigger Bolder PUREGOLD CINEPANALO 2025

 

These are exciting times, not just for the movie goers but the creatives, those who work behind the scenes in this year's PUREGOLD Cine Panalo Film Festival.

I went up the elevator of Artson events place this morning with some of the brightest stars, including filmmakers, directors that have already made names in the industry. I already knew how much this costs, millions just in production. Php 3M for 8 entries, and Php 125,000 for 24 student filmmakers, makes this a worthy festival in the country. Mind you, this has already produced international awards in previous years, so no doubt, this is a great platform for all these stars, production in the coming days. This year, they have partnered with MTRCB, Gateway Cineplex 18, Mowelfund, Terminal Six, CMB Films, and MFP rentals.

Choosing entries this year has been stressful for the committee and Puregold execs because of the so many talented individuals who sent their films. If my memory serves me right, they had over a hundred ++ to screen and only 8 would be picked. They had even more hopefuls for the Student Short film category and they got 24 out of it. Some of which are actually schools from provinces, so you see, that's exactly what they wanted to do, a platform for talented ones anywhere you are in the country.

Here are the 8 FULL LENGTH Entries:

 

 

 For the STUDENT SHORTS Category, here are the entries:

If you see that I have a wee bit of obsession when it comes to the entry of KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad's entry called CO-LOVE, it's because people have been waiting for their pairings movie debut. Although this is probably going to be a moment for KD Estrada, Alexa is so supportive about their appearance in this film together with Kira Balinger and Jameson Blake. There's going to be real hard work to be done to showcase what they can do as a pair, and as individual artists. We also talked to Alexa a bit about their movie and her other projects:

 There's more where these movies came from, and certainly, we have a lot to look forward to on March where they plan to put these in theaters. Please make sure you also come in the theaters a bit early so you could see the short films that students have also made.

 

For more information about the films, please follow PUREGOLD's social channels and their official website. Be part of the growing crowd that not only adores Puregold's products and prices, but their passion to help film makers have this platform, to tell their story.

Kimpoy Sparks Romance with Three Subway B.M.T Sandwiches

Looks like Vlogger Kimpoy Feliciano has his hands full choosing between three B, M and T, played by Natazha Bautista, Breena Ylaya and Queen Semana in a digital ad for popular brand Subway released today. The ladies have their own personas, where one is adventurous, one is a health freak, and also one is practical, so choosing among them alone will be a huge task much like his obsession with three B.M.T sandwiches which he loves from Subway.

He says "Every time I go to Subway, I see a sandwich fit for any occasion, it's quite hard to pick one because I've got a lot of favorites. There's certainly one Subway B.M.T. Sandwich for you!"

Whether you love the B.M.T. Classic, the Double Cheese or the Egg Mayo B.M.T. Plus variant, you get your fill of freshness without going over budget. 

As Mr. Joshua Wahiman, the Marketing Manager of Subway Philippines puts it "Love is such a relatable topic especially for Filipinos much like the sandwich options you can get at every Subway branch. Kimpoy has definitely put our message across, we love how he did it on our digital ad." 

Kimpoy's Full Confession 💚

Because with Subway®, YOU can have the BIGGEST, MEATIEST, and TASTIEST choices 🥪 of Classic B.M.T.™, B.M.T.™ Plus, and B.M.T.™ Double Cheese. Truly #WorthEat!

Posted by Subway Philippines on Tuesday, January 17, 2023

The men and women behind it include famed Director Chris Cahilig, Director of Photography Noel Teehankee, Food Stylist Kia del Rosario, Line Producer Jel Plans, and post production Offline Editor Yvette Mijares, Online Editor Kenneth Amparo, Sound Design by Kat Salinas, Color by Sia Magsaysay, and Musical Score by Paulo Almacen. The brand hopes Kimpoy's fans would love the ad as much as they did and bring the same excitement in a nearby Subway branch so they too could love their favorite sandwich today. They give you choices! 

Insight 360 Outs New Film Starring Kakai Bautista and Zoren Legaspi

 

I have seen the films ECHORSIS (2016 award winning gay comedy horror themed film) and Mia (2020, environmental themed) which was produced by Chris Cahilig under Insight 360 Films. These were well made and talked about very pressing issues. This time, they released the next one (through a teaser), a very promising one at that called "Miss Q & A: Para sa magaganda lang ba ang love life?".

The film is directed by Lemuel Lorca who's got several awards on his belt, while the screenplay was done by John Bedia in collaboration with Lorca and Cahilig. It stars Dental Diva Kakai Bautista and the immortal, vampire like leading man Zoren Legaspi. Yes, it looks like an odd combination but producer Chris Cahilig puts this as a way to believe in love. Check out this teaser they released a couple days ago so you get to know what I'm talking about. This also features the song "Halika" which is written and sung by Seth Dunga. This is also available in digital stores and Spotify if you want to hear more of it.

 

 This film might be a romcom, but it feels more dreamy and romantic. Though it really asked that question that nobody would often do. Though successful, Kakai's character is portrayed here as the one less fortunate in the looks department, but their interactions say otherwise as Zoren became the perfect gentleman, going through the experience of dating in a theme park and swooning the lady he's with. Zoren looks so good on screen, and the way Kakai takes in his efforts, felt so genuine Honestly, I'm pretty excited to see this on silver screen, but things are still a little dangerous out there that this might be shown soon on digital channels, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, listen to the "Halika" which will be the official soundtrack for this film on Spotify. I'm sure you would mistake it as a foreign artist just like I did earlier. Pretty good in my books!

 

 

MEGA Sardines Presents FIRST DAY

I am impressed, it looks like MEGA Sardines is at it again. 

 With the success of their first two viral videos called “Adulting” and “Tipidity”, they recently came out with another short film called "First Day", a play on one of the most pivotal moments in your life, your first job. Do you still remember that day? 

 Director Chris Cahilig puts in a little dash of romance as character Joseph played by Jindric Macapagal tries to make it big in Metro Manila. He then finds himself smitten over coffee breaks, lunch outs, with an angelic ward as he enjoys every moment with comfort food so close to Filipinos, over a can or two of what could cause #MegaGandaAngBuhay to happen.

This short film was made through the efforts of Tiu Lim Foundation (executive producer), Rommel Sales (cinematography), Yuji Gonzales (screenplay), Jegs Morales (offline editor), Kenneth Amparo (online editor), Melai Entuna (line producer), Clark Lopez (assistant director), Kat Salinas (sound design), Richard Gonzales (scoring), Det Moldera (accounts manager), Yani Bautista (production manager) and Johanna Evangelista (production coordinator). 

 If you would like to see “First Day”, it can now be viewed at MEGA’s official Facebook page facebook.com/officialmegasardines and their YouTube channel (just search Mega Global). Currently, “Tipidity” and “Adulting” has almost 3 million views on YouTube. You may also watch these short films through MEGA Sardines’ official FB page too. 

Thanks to Mega Global Corporation for doing this. As you may well know, they are also the manufacturer of MEGA Sardines, one of the country's freshest sardines packed 12 hours from catching to canning. You can get it in easy open cans and pouch forms. I love their Spicy version personally for breakfast. 

 Now go watch it. You'll love how the story would turn out.

KUMAGCOW

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MEGA Sardines Does Touching #MegaGandaAngBuhay Shorts

Award winning Director and PR Maven Chris Cahilig just came out with a new short film called “Tipidity” for household brand Mega Sardines as they introduce #MegaGandaAngBuhay. They are probably going to do a few but I like this slice of life pov, it reminds us how we all take effort to have a hearty meal even in a very quaint simple setting. I bet most of you probably have a can of sardines in your pantry, it’s also probably one of the basics you often get at the grocery counter. Even at that price point, it gives you comfort, a trait that spanned generations and I also bet, you still do it now.

“Tipidity” talks about a husband and wife, newlyweds who go through hardships of life, their economic status, showcases the resilience of the Filipino family. Headlined by indie actors Karl Medina and Kia Del Rosario who in this film, albeit industrious in their careers - suddenly are met with financial griefs. It tried and tested their marriage in so many ways, but in the end, will they still be together? Will they weather through these problems? Or suffer the fate of tons of relationships, who fail unfortunately?

They knew they had to tighten their belt, they knew they had to make sacrifices, which a lot of people would be able to relate, more so now with the high inflation rates.

We don’t want to be political, so make sure you see this Tipidity installment on Mega Sardines Facebook page and assets, you’ll also love the next ones, so stay tuned!

There will be more stories soon!

KUMAGCOW

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